Jane Smiley's New Novel Follows Beloved Character Lidie Newton's Journey to England

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Almost three decades after publishing 'The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton,' a novel set in 'Bleeding Kansas' during the lead-up to the Civil War, author Jane Smiley has returned to her beloved protagonist. In the new book, Lidie accompanies her niece Annie to Liverpool after the young woman is offered a chance to perform on the English stage, leading Lidie on a quieter, more reflective journey of healing and recovery in a changing world.

Why it matters

Smiley's decision to move Lidie to England and explore a different genre of novel - one focused on personal growth rather than adventure and drama - provides readers with a fresh perspective on a familiar character. The story examines themes of transformation, the lingering impact of the past, and the complexities of a rapidly modernizing world.

The details

In the new novel, Lidie's niece Annie, in her early 20s, is offered the chance to perform on the English stage by traveling impresario Mallory Cunningham. Lidie, who doesn't believe Annie can get family approval, decides to accompany her niece to Liverpool under an assumed name, carrying a pistol in her purse. Once in England, Lidie takes a servant's job in Cunningham's household, where she reads classic literature, makes new friends, and finds herself attracted to a mysterious Irishman, all while grappling with memories of her past and the looming prospect of American catastrophe.

• Lidie and Annie travel to Liverpool via Chicago and New York.
• Lidie takes a servant's job in Mallory Cunningham's household in Liverpool.

What’s next

Readers will be eager to learn whether Lidie will find romance in Liverpool, if Annie will succeed on the stage, and what other adventures await Lidie as she continues her journey east.